DU bearings combine the advantages of many conventionally lubricated, metallic plain bearings-particularly high load capacity and dimensional rigidity-with the design freedoms of self-lubricating materials, including the ability to operate successfully well beyond the scope of conventional lubricants.

Porous bronze innerstructure: This comprises a nominal 0.010" (0.25 mm) thick layer of carefully sized bearing quality bronze powder which is sintered onto the steel backing. This porous structure is impregnated with a homogeneous mixture of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and lead. In addition to providing maximum thermal conductivity away from the bearing surface, this unique bronze innerstructure also serves as a reservoir for the PTFE-lead mixture.

PTFE-lead overlay: This low friction overlay, approximately 0.001" (0.025 mm) thick, provides an excellent initial transfer film which effectively coats the mating surface of the bearing assembly, forming an oxide type solid lubricant film. As this film is depleted, the relative motion of the mating surface continues to draw material from the porous bronze layer.
When conditions are severe, the feed of lubrication is increased. The peaks of porous bronze coming in contact with the mating surface generate localized heat and, due to the high thermal expansion rate of the PTFE, force additional lubricant to the bearing surface. The relative motion of the mating parts wipes the lubricant over the interface, continuously restoring the low friction surface film.